Introduction: Why do people mount horses from the left side?

If you have ever watched someone mount a horse, you might have noticed that they always mount from the left side. This practice may seem odd or arbitrary, but it has a long history and practical reasons. In this article, we will explore the historical, cultural, and physiological reasons behind the tradition of mounting horses from the left side.

Historical reasons for left-side mounting

Mounting horses from the left side dates back to ancient times when soldiers rode horses into battle. At that time, soldiers carried weapons, such as swords and shields, on their left side. To mount their horses quickly, they would swing their right leg over the horse’s back and mount from the left side, allowing them to keep their weapons within easy reach. This practice became standard and persisted even after weapons were no longer carried on horseback. Additionally, when riding in a group, mounting from the left side allowed riders to align their horses in formation quickly, so it became a standard practice worldwide.

Why left-side mounting persists today

Although mounting horses from the left side is no longer necessary for carrying weapons, it persists today for several reasons. First, it has become a traditional practice that riders’ follow. Second, most people are right-handed, and mounting from the left side allows them to use their dominant hand to grip the reins and control the horse. Finally, left-side mounting is consistent with the layout of most horse facilities, where mounting blocks and stirrups are arranged on the left side of the horse.

Horse physiology and left-side mounting

Mounting from the left side also has physiological benefits for the horse. Unlike humans, horses have a blind spot directly in front of their faces, which can make them nervous when someone approaches them from the right side. Mounting from the left side is less likely to startle the horse, and it tends to be easier to saddle and bridle the horse from this side.

Training horses to stand for left-side mounting

Horses must be trained to stand still while being mounted from the left side. This training process can be lengthy and requires patience and consistency. It typically involves desensitizing the horse to human touch and introducing the horse to the saddle and the weight of the rider. Once the horse is comfortable with these steps, it is gradually introduced to mounting from the left side.

Cultural and traditional influences on left-side mounting

In some cultures, mounting horses from the right side is traditional. For example, in Mongolia, where people ride horses on the right side, horses are traditionally mounted from the right side. However, this practice is the exception, and most cultures worldwide follow the tradition of mounting from the left side.

Differences between left-side and right-side mounting

Mounting horses from the right side is considered a bad habit and is not recommended. It can unbalance the horse and the rider, making it difficult to control the horse. Also, it can cause health issues for the horse, such as saddle sores and asymmetrical muscle development.

Safety considerations for left-side mounting

Mounting from the left side can be hazardous if not done correctly. Riders should always use a mounting block to avoid injuring themselves or the horse. Riders should also check the girth and stirrups before mounting to ensure that they are secure.

Alternatives to left-side mounting

There are alternative ways to mount a horse, such as from the ground, bareback, or from the right side. However, these methods are not as common or as safe as left-side mounting, and they should only be attempted by experienced riders.

Conclusion: Understanding the tradition of left-side mounting

Mounting horses from the left side is a tradition that has been passed down from ancient times. It has practical, cultural, and physiological reasons behind it, and it persists today as the standard practice worldwide. Understanding the reasons behind this tradition can help riders appreciate and respect the history and culture of horsemanship.